CHEST X-RAY, PA AND LATERAL VIEWS - 12

CHEST X-RAY, PA AND LATERAL VIEWS

FINDINGS:               An examination of the chest shows a moderate-sized left pleural effusion obscuring the left hemidiaphragm and cardiac apex.  On the lateral view of the chest, fluid is seen in the major fissure.

The remaining lung fields are hyperlucent and there is both interstitial and parenchymal pulmonary scarring.  There is the suggestion of some interstitial edema, though perihilar and upper lobe vascularity appears to be normal.

Overall, heart size would be considered normal, though as noted previously the cardiac apex is not seen.

A lateral chest radiograph shows a clear retrocardiac space.  Increased density is seen in the posterior sulcus consistent with a large left pleural effusion.

IMPRESSION:

1.          Left pleural effusion as described.

2.         Chronic pulmonary findings with hyperlucency and with both interstitial and parenchymal pulmonary scarring.

3.         There is the suggestion of interstitial edema, though perihilar and upper lobe vascularity is normal.

Thank you for the referral.

XXXXXXXX, M.D.